Just in time for the travelers on your holiday shopping list!
I find myself having lots of similar conversations about products people are curious about, so I’ve created this list to have somewhere to send them! I pride myself in a “minimal stuff, maximum efficiency” lifestyle, and these products help make it possible and enjoyable.
(I’m not sponsored by any of these brands. Just love them!)

Goat Cell Phone Case

My favorite find this year.  I’m pretty sure it’s magic! Peel the cover off and stick to any shiny surface, but the actual case isn’t sticky to the touch.  I’m told it works using thousands of tiny suction cups, but I honestly have no idea. 🙂 Many of my group pics, selfies, and videos were taken this way! This is my trick to avoid traveling with bulky tripods and selfie sticks.

https://www.goatcase.com

AfterShokz Open-Ear Headphones

Best bluetooth headphones I’ve found for the traveler who recreates outdoors. They operate using new “bone-conducting” technology, so they actually sit in front of your ear instead of inside. They’re way better for your ears, and it means you can hear/feel the music but also hear what’s going on around you. They’re the opposite of noise-cancelling so they’re great for runs and walks in new places!

https://aftershokz.com

Swatch Watch

I’m one of the weirdos who wears her watch on the right, which is also my bow arm, so I was looking for something I could barely feel was there. Swatch “skins” are exactly this. I picked this one up on Grafton Street in Dublin, but I’ve found Swatch stores in lots of airports as well. (They also replaced the band for me a year later for $20!)

https://shop.swatch.com/en_us/collections/skin-c111.html

Thread Wallet and Sticky Smart Wallet   

Most of what is filling a bulky wallet doesn’t need to be there. I have one credit card and my ID in my sticky wallet, and one other credit card, debit card, and coffee card in a mini wallet that lives in my bag. All other loyalty cards and insurance cards I use via apps. This system is especially helpful for airport traveling because with your phone in your pocket, your ID is always at the ready. I also much prefer to go into stores purse-free. (Shameless merch promo: I used my sticky wallet so much that we had customized Moxie Strings wallets made!
Come pick yours up at a Moxie show :))

https://www.threadwallets.com/

On Clouds Running/Walking Shoe

“This is the shoe I’ve been looking for!” say all my running friends, specifically the travelers. Both Moxies are in the “On Clouds” club, as well as other active musicians on the scene. The Clouds are great because they’re cushioned but light, pack up small, and also double as a leisure/walking shoe. They have elastic bungee laces so they slip on easily and also fit perfectly into the current “little black Nike” trend. I would suggest spending a little time working on minimal running before you jump into any serious distances in them (here’s the program I used several years ago that changed everything for me: Good Form Running), but Ons are great for gym workouts too.

https://www.on-running.com/en-us/products/cloud-black-white-w (womens)
https://www.on-running.com/en-us/products/cloud-black-slate-m (men)

The North Face Base Camp Duffel

Waterproof, durable, and works perfectly with packing cubes. It comes in several sizes, several of which are carry-on size and also sit nicely on top of another suitcase. I bought mine in Brussels because I loved the color, and because I couldn’t stand rolling little suitcase wheels over cobblestone streets!

https://www.thenorthface.com/equipment.html

Anker Portable Chargers

These are the best ones I’ve found. They charge quickly and hold several full phone charges. They can be a little heavy, but come in small sizes and work via USB for any device.

https://www.anker.com/products/107/200/ultra-compact-portable-chargers

Amazon Fire TV stick

Netflix, Hulu, HBO, etc at your fingertips… but not on your laptop! Almost all hotel TV’s have a USB port, which is all you need to access all your media platforms with this little guy. It’s about the size of a thumb drive. (Warning, it’s really easy to accidentally leave in a hotel room TVs!)

https://www.amazon.com/b/?ie=UTF8&node=8521791011&ref_=ods_fs_smp_cp

Buff Headwear

Scarf, headband, hat, wristband, bandana, sweatband, handkerchief… quick-drying material and a million functions! It’s just a really nice thing to have around for cold-weather, working out, etc. Also comes in lots of fun colors and patterns.

https://buffusa.com/

And most asked about by women…

AG Hair Recoil

The top question I get asked: “how do you get your curls like that?” (It’s so flattering- I never get sick of hearing it!) This product is my secret. It lasts for days, which means I can carry very little product with me while traveling. I use a liberal amount on wash day (once a week) and then usually only need to run wet hands through my hair the next day. It’s also the only product I’ve found that functions well (albeit totally differently) in Ireland humidity and Colorado dry heat. Also need to mention the amazing cut and color by the @chelseabelle!

https://www.aghair.com/product/curl/recoil/

Lole Lily Bag

Mary Poppins has met her match. Without a permanent home I don’t have a desk or bedside table, so this bag is it. It also holds snacks, a change of clothes, 2 water bottles, the occasional groceries… literally, everything fits! No less than 15 pockets. Plus, purse handles and backpack straps! Dreamy.  (My mom and editor adds that she has already claimed it if I ever find something else…)

https://www.lolelife.com/collections/women-accessories (various sizes and materials)

Honorable “Stocking Stuffer “Mentions:

Travel Siracha

I get more comments on this than the fiddle case itself. Siracha “at the ready” at all times. This is my solution to a travel dilemma: eating healthy on the road and packing my own food (link here) means that meals tend to be very bland. Siracha to the rescue!

https://sriracha2go.com/

Peanut Butter Powder

TSA friendly, doesn’t spoil, and all you need is a little water for a quality peanut butter snack. I keep a bag of it with me at all times, often mixed with a little protein powder as well. Celery, bananas, sandwiches… sometimes plain with a spoon 🙂 You can also find it in travel packets!

https://www.amazon.com/PB2-Plantation-Powder-Peanut-Packets-0-85/dp/B008HAHZZ8